Morning Conversation 2
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MORNING CONVERSATION 2
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for mixed-level conversation enthusiasts who were unable to attend the regular afternoon communication classes and for whom grammar instruction was not a priority. Learners must have already obtained a Grammar level 10.
Daily speaking, listening, reading and research activities are formatted around engaging weekly topics that explore
contemporary themes and which encourage critical thinking. Discussion, debate and expressing opinions and beliefs are integral aspects of this curriculum.
A variety of instructional methods are synthesised in order to enhance and advance learners’ communication skills.
These include vocabulary building tasks, pronunciation tactics, sentence correction strategies, computer lab assignments and opportunities for research and presentation.
Objectives
• Improve speaking, listening and reading skills
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Express opinions and give supporting reasons
• Conduct internet research
• Broaden vocabulary range
• Increase usage of idioms and expressions
• Improve presentation skills
• Gain confidence in overall communication abilities
Pre-requisite Level: 6 - 9
Course Evaluation:
Attendance 15%
Participation 20%
Homework 15%
Final Presentation 50%
Course Materials:
Ferree & Sanabria, North Star: High-Intermediate, Longman (Authors), North Star: Advanced, Longman
Shaules, Tsujioka & Iida, Identity, OUP
Cameron & Derwing, Being Canadian, 2nd Ed., Longman
Sharples & Clark, Read On Canada, Prentice Hall Regents
Levine & Adelman, Beyond Language, Prentice Hall Regents
AM Elective: 180 hrs (60 hrs per month x3)
OUTLINE
WEEK 1
TOPIC: Communication, Culture
Comparing communication styles
Polite, impolite behavior
Canadian communication
Understanding accents
WEEK 2
TOPIC: Stereotypes, racism
Define stereotypes, racism, discrimination
Different forms of discrimination
Racism, discrimination in Canada
Human rights, Civil Rights Movement
WEEK 3
TOPIC: Religion, Spirituality
Different religions of the world
Spirituality, feng shui
Chinese zodiac-Visit SYS Gardens
Superstitions of the world
WEEK 4
TOPIC: Identity, Individualism
Define “Who are you?”
Personal Obstacles-Achilles heal
Useless regrets
Final presentations
WEEK 5
TOPIC: Family and Marriage
Wedding Customs
Intermarriage in Canada
Bridge of love
Movie, discussion-My Big Fat Greek Wedding
WEEK 6
TOPIC: Work and Money
Personal Strengths
Who gets promoted?
Donald Trump documentary, discussion
Making a Budget, money slang
WEEK 7
TOPIC: Travel
Culture shock
How, why Canadians travel
Culture and Commerce-debate
Trip planning-traveler stereotypes
WEEK 8
TOPIC: Media and censorship
Analyzing journalism, media
Tabloid news, cultural war, censorship
Effects of violent television, movies, media
Final presentation
WEEK 9
TOPIC: Environment
Natural disasters
The greenhouse effect, global warming
How green are you?
Movie: Go Further, An Inconvenient Truth
WEEK 10
TOPIC: Science and Technology
Technology-Blessing or curse?
China’s war on e-addiction
Genetic coding
Movie: I-Robot
WEEK 11
TOPIC: Physical and mental health
Western medicine: Not all the same
Alternative medicine
Define happiness, coping with stress
Emotional intelligence
WEEK 12
TOPIC: Globalisation
Positive, negative aspects of globalisation
Cola Conquest video, discussion
What is a global citizen?
Final presentations
General English Courses
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Special English Programs
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© 2012 Vancouver English Centre
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Last updated on Dec 08/11
at 13:33 PDT
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